Team India has suffered a massive blow ahead of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 semifinal against Australia, as opener Pratika Rawal has been ruled out due to a serious ankle and knee injury sustained during the final league game against Bangladesh in Navi Mumbai.
According to reports, Pratika slipped near the boundary line while fielding in the 21st over and twisted her leg awkwardly. She was in visible pain and had to be carried off the field. Medical scans later confirmed that the injury is significant enough to rule her out not just of the semifinal but also for the rest of the tournament.
A major setback for India before the semifinal
Pratika Rawal absence is a huge concern for India, especially as she has been one of the team’s most consistent batters. The 25-year-old opener has scored 308 runs in six innings, making her the second-highest run-getter in the tournament, just behind Smriti Mandhana. Her partnership with Mandhana had been the foundation of India’s strong starts throughout the World Cup.
A freak injury for Indian opener #PratikaRawal while diving to save a boundary! 😧
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) October 26, 2025
Catch the LIVE action ➡ https://t.co/AHK0zZJTc3#CWC25 👉 #INDvBAN | LIVE NOW pic.twitter.com/xvWH7lFTrV
With no backup opener in the 15-member squad, India faces a serious dilemma. If the BCCI does not request a replacement from the ICC, the team will have to reshuffle its batting order for the all-important semifinal on October 30 at DY Patil Stadium.
Who will open with Smriti Mandhana?
Former India captain Mithali Raj believes that Harleen Deol should be promoted to open the innings in Pratika’s absence. Speaking on Star Sports, Mithali said,
“If Pratika is not fit to play on October 30, I think Harleen Deol is the best option to open with Smriti. She often comes in early at No. 3 and handles the new ball well. It would be a natural adjustment.”
During the Bangladesh game, India had experimented with Amanjot Kaur as an opener, but the move didn’t seem convincing. The team management may instead consider Harleen Deol or even recall Shafali Verma, who was left out of the original squad but remains a strong top-order option with prior experience against Australia.
India’s challenge grows tougher
India is already grappling with Richa Ghosh’s finger injury, which has limited the wicketkeeper-batter’s participation. With both key players under fitness clouds, captain Harmanpreet Kaur faces an uphill task in balancing the lineup.
If India fails to find the right combination, their semifinal clash could become even more challenging — especially against an Australian side known for exploiting weaknesses.
Possible India XI vs Australia (Semifinal)
Smriti Mandhana, Harleen Deol (or Amanjot Kaur), Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Pooja Vastrakar, Sneh Rana, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Renuka Singh, Meghna Singh.
